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A series of free IGCSE Chemistry Activities and Experiments (Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry).
Condensation polymers are polymers formed through a condensation reaction, where monomers join together by losing a small molecule such as water, methanol, or HCl as a byproduct. This is a key difference from addition polymers, which simply add monomers together without losing any atoms.
What is Condensation Polymerization?
Condensation polymerization is a type of polymerization where monomers join together to form a polymer, with the simultaneous elimination of a small molecule byproduct. This byproduct is most commonly water (H2O), but it can also be other small molecules like HCl or ammonia.
The following diagrams show Addition Polymerisation (Polyethene) and Condensation Polymerisation (Polyamide, Polyester). Scroll down the page for more examples and explanations.
Key Characteristics of Condensation Polymerization:
Condensation Polymers
This video will:
Polymers condensation: Polyamide
A polyamide is formed when a dicarboxylic acid (diacid) combines with a diamine.
To make nylon, we combine hexadioic acid with 1,6 diamino hexane.
A water molecule is removed and the two monomers are joined by the amide link.
Making Nylon: An example of Polyamide
This demonstration shows the production of nylon at the interface between two reactant layers.
A solution of dicarboxylic acid is carefully floated on an aqueous solution of diamone.
Nylon forms at the interface and can be pulled out as fast as it is produced forming a long thread – the ‘nylon rope’.
Procedure:
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Terylene: Example of polyester
Formation of the polyester terylene from a dicarboxylic acid (benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid) and diol (ethane-1,2-diol).
The process is known as condensation polymerisation - forming water molecules together with polyester molecules.
A demonstration to show the formation of a polyester
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